FAQ
How do I enrol in the DofE?
See our dedicated enrolment page here.
Can I do my expedition with GLSW?
Yes, absolutely! So long as you are an Explorer Scout or Network Scout, you are welcome to join our expeditions, even if you are not enrolled with us for your DofE. For more information on expeditions, see here.
What evidence should I provide?
The bare minimum for evidence is a completed assessor report containing all of the required information. It can also be useful to keep an Activity Log of your activity and add this as evidence.
However, you can include all kinds of other evidence including photos. All evidence will need to be approved by your DofE Leader.
I have an issue with eDofE
As a first step, you should talk to your Explorer/Network Leader. If they are not able to solve the problem, the DofE have a helpdesk which you can contact on edofe@dofe.org
I have another issue
Your Explorer/Network Leader will be able to help with most questions about the DofE Award. If they are not sure, you can instead ask your District DofE Adviser (see here).
Most Common Problems
These problems are the most common issues that lead to awards being queried. Try to avoid them!
Volunteering, Physical & Skills sections
- Your three main sections must average at least 1 hour per week (you need evidence of this – usually in the assessor report)
- The first and last sessions for each section must be the correct duration apart (3, 6, 12 or 18 months)
- Your Assessor cannot be a family member (family friends are allowed)
- Make sure the Assessor’s details on the report match those in the programme planner
- The three sections should be distinct (e.g. you shouldn’t use football for physical and football coaching for skills)
Volunteering
- You cannot volunteer for a business (non-profits & charities are ok)
- You cannot be paid for your volunteering (except expenses)
- You cannot use fundraising for this section if you will benefit from the money raised
Physical
- You must be doing the activity yourself – coaching is either a skill or volunteering
- You cannot use your PE lessons at school for this section (you can use school clubs as long as they are outside the normal timetable)
Skills
- You cannot use any activity that is a physical activity. This includes most, but not all, sports.
- You can use academic study for a GCSE or similar for this section, but it must not be part of your normal school timetable
Residential (Gold only)
- See this guide to ensure that your activity will count.
- You must have your residential approved by the County DofE Adviser well in advance.
- To get the residential approved, please complete this form (alternatively, you can fill out a word document version and email this to dofe@glswscouts.org.uk)
Expedition
Your expedition supervisor and assessor will make sure you meet the requirements of the section.
